Xiao Shao was known for his cold and aloof nature, with hardly any women besides the Brocade-clad Guards able to get close to him. Now that he had taken a wife, Jiang Ruan could be considered the person closest to him. The sudden appearance of a woman's nail scratches on his hand was undeniably suspicious.
Xiao Shao had met Ye Pei before and knew this young boy was skilled at masking his emotions. Yet now, his feelings were so openly displayed—it was truly surprising. Fortunately, even so, his attitude toward Xiao Shao was clear, and his concern for Jiang Ruan was unmistakable. At the very least, he wouldn’t harm Jiang Ruan.
Seeing Xiao Shao lost in thought and silent, Ye Pei grew anxious and stepped forward. "Answer me! What did you do to her?"
Hearing this, Xiao Shao lifted his gaze. The moment Ye Pei met those cool, profound eyes, he abruptly realized his own impropriety. But it was too late. Xiao Shao asked calmly, "Why do you care so much?"
"I—" Ye Pei faltered for a moment before quickly recovering. "Princess of Great Peace is now half a sister to this prince. As siblings, we should look out for each other. If you bully her, you’re slapping the royal family in the face. Let me make this clear today—if you dare lay a finger on her, though I may be young and weak, I’ll stake my life to demand justice for her!"
Though this boy usually kept his emotions well-hidden, when it came to Jiang Ruan, he was unusually persistent. Even if his words carried a childish tone, the determination behind them was unmistakable. His words were no pretense—they came from the heart. If Xiao Shao ever truly wronged Jiang Ruan, Ye Pei would indeed stop at nothing to seek justice for her. Such a relationship was far from ordinary. After all, Jiang Ruan was only a nominal princess, and she had never spent much time with Ye Pei. Moreover, Xiao Shao had investigated—their connection began when Jiang Ruan helped Ye Pei out of a predicament with Princess Heyi in the palace. It was a trivial matter, hardly warranting such deep affection. Yet after that, Ye Pei had even testified for Jiang Ruan during the imperial trial in the Golden Hall, and his influence had played a part in the Crown Prince’s intervention and Xia Qing’s arrival in the capital. The lavish gifts Ye Pei had sent on their wedding day could rival the dowry of a wealthy noble daughter.
This was no mere acquaintance. Now, Ye Pei’s actions and expression only confirmed Xiao Shao’s suspicions. Yet even so, many things didn’t add up. The two had barely interacted, and last night, Jiang Ruan had even...
He looked down at Ye Pei. The boy was still short for his age, his delicate features making him appear quite adorable, but his eyes burned with deep hostility. Xiao Shao replied calmly, "I did nothing to her. She was poisoned."
"Poisoned?" Ye Pei froze, then urgently asked, "How is she now? Is she alright?"
"Not well," Xiao Shao said, a shadow passing through his eyes. "She’s trapped in her inner demons, muttering to herself, completely unresponsive to others.""What should we do?" Ye Pei, usually so mature and composed, was now completely flustered. "Aren't you the Jinying Wang? Why haven't you summoned the imperial physician? Wait—isn't that Golden Mausoleum Master Hand still in the capital? Why not send for him? I'll have someone deliver an invitation card to him immediately!"
"No need," Xiao Shao interrupted, his voice suddenly turning cold and heavy. "He's already at the manor. However, when A Ruan was murmuring to herself, she mentioned a name that I found somewhat familiar."
Ye Pei froze.
Xiao Shao continued slowly, "She said, 'Pei Er.'"
Ye Pei's expression changed drastically, as if struck by lightning. He staggered back several steps, his face cycling through a whirlwind of emotions—joy, sorrow, disbelief. Xiao Shao observed his reaction closely but remained outwardly impassive.
After a long silence, Ye Pei finally regained his composure. When he looked at Xiao Shao again, the latter had the strange illusion that the person before him was not a young boy but a weathered old man. The curve of Ye Pei's lips seemed to carry both relief and bitter resignation. "I want to see her," he said slowly.
Xiao Shao replied softly, "Very well."
"Mingyue, Chaoyang," Ye Pei suddenly called out sharply. The two palace maids waiting outside hurried in. Ye Pei's demeanor shifted instantly, his tone turning icy. "I'm leaving the palace for a while. Until I return, do everything in your power to keep this matter concealed."
"Your Highness, you mustn't!" Chaoyang protested anxiously. "Leaving the palace without permission is a serious offense. If His Majesty questions it... So many eyes are watching your every move. You can't hand them a weapon against you."
"Am I the master here, or are you?" Ye Pei countered coldly. "If you can't handle even this small task, then there's no need for you to remain by my side." His tone brooked no argument. Chaoyang suddenly remembered that this very boy had once watched impassively as a maid who had served him for over a decade was beaten to death before his eyes. He was no ordinary youth. The chilling authority in his voice now made Chaoyang tremble, cowed into silence by the ruthless glint in his eyes.
Xiao Shao observed the exchange coolly from the side. Catching Mingyue's eye with a subtle glance, the maid quickly said to Ye Pei, "Your Highness may go with peace of mind. This servant will ensure everything in the palace is handled properly." Since Ye Pei's departure today was ultimately connected to Xiao Shao, the latter couldn't stand idly by—especially given that Ye Pei seemed to share some significant history with Jiang Ruan. He couldn't allow Ye Pei to suffer consequences because of this matter.
A sardonic smile touched Ye Pei's lips at seeing his own maid taking orders from another. Snatching up a cloak, he said curtly, "Let's go."
...
At Brocade Hero King Manor, Xia Qing had just finished taking Jiang Ruan's pulse. After drinking her medicine, she had finally calmed down in the early morning and fallen into a deep sleep. Yet none in the manor could find rest, their eyes shadowed with exhaustion. As the physician, Xia Qing had racked his brains all night trying to devise an antidote, poring over medical texts to no avail. Jiang Xin Zhi's condition was even more pitiable—after keeping vigil by Jiang Ruan's side all night, though no one knew what he might have heard from her murmurs, when others saw his face the next morning, he looked utterly desolate, as if aged a decade overnight.Qi Feng was sitting at the courtyard gate, with Guan Lianghan and Mo Cong by his side. Guan Lianghan remarked, "This sister Jiang Ruan always seemed so full of life and cunning beyond ordinary people's reach. Who would have thought she'd fall into such a trap? She was always so vibrant, but now she looks pitiful." Being a straightforward gentleman, he found discussions of such underhanded schemes utterly repulsive.
Mo Cong had never been particularly fond of Jiang Ruan, but even he felt distressed now. "Though I used to think Third Sister-in-law was too domineering for a woman, compared to seeing her lying helplessly in bed like this, I'd much rather have her as arrogant as before." He glanced at Qi Feng beside him and asked, "Fourth Brother, why do you look so distracted?"
Qi Feng snapped out of his thoughts and forced a bitter smile. "I'm fine."
Xia Qing, noticing his state, patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I know you must blame yourself for not detecting who plotted against Third Sister-in-law despite your sharp mind. But it's not your fault. Maybe Fifth Brother will prepare the antidote today. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Qi Feng smiled faintly but said nothing. Xia Qing couldn't possibly understand his thoughts. Watching Jiang Ruan lying pale on the bed and hearing her heart-wrenching words, Qi Feng felt shaken once again. He had never liked weepy women and had admired Jiang Ruan precisely for her courage. Yet when he accidentally witnessed her heartbreaking questioning yesterday, his own heart ached with the desire to comfort her—only to stand helplessly by. He hated his own powerlessness, unable to offer any assistance.
As everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Butler Lin suddenly appeared with Xiao Shao hurrying toward them, followed by another person. The group found it strange—why would Xiao Shao bring someone else into the manor at such a critical time, risking further chaos? Upon closer inspection, the person trailing behind Xiao Shao was dressed in luxurious brocade, of slight stature, and as they approached, revealed a delicate and beautiful face—like a young nobleman from some wealthy family. There was an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
"Thirteenth Prince!" Mo Cong was the first to exclaim. He looked between Xiao Shao and Ye Pei, asking, "Third Brother, why have you brought the Thirteenth Prince here?" Being free-spirited, his first thought wasn't about the trouble Ye Pei might face for leaving the palace without permission. He was simply puzzled—why summon Ye Pei when Jiang Ruan was in trouble? He couldn't recall any connection between Ye Pei and Xiao Shao, let alone between Ye Pei and Jiang Ruan.
"Go in," Xiao Shao said to Ye Pei. "She's inside."
Ye Pei met his gaze and replied, "Thank you." That single glance carried a complexity of emotions that left the onlookers bewildered. Yet they sensed that this wasn't merely a conversation between an adult and a youth, but rather a promise exchanged between equals—man to man.
After Ye Pei entered, Guan Lianghan finally couldn't hold back. "Third Brother, what are you playing at? Why bring the Thirteenth Prince here? If the Emperor finds out, you'll have a heap of trouble."
"He had to come," Xiao Shao said, staring at the closed door. "There are some things only he understands."In the room, Zisu and Lianqiao withdrew, and Ye Pei closed the door behind them. He seemed hesitant to approach the bedside, stopping a few steps away. Jiang Ruan slept peacefully, her face slightly pale. Ye Pei watched for a moment before finally taking a few steps forward. When he reached the bedside, he suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud.
The young boy's back was straight as a rod, as though nothing could bend it even slightly. Yet his eyes instantly brimmed with tears, and when they could hold no more, they spilled over in hot streams, dripping onto Jiang Ruan’s hand. His delicate, beautiful face crumpled, the usual maturity replaced by childlike vulnerability—like a child who had long pretended to be strong finally seeing their mother, all defenses collapsing at once, leaving only overwhelming sorrow to pour out unchecked.
"Mother Consort," Ye Pei choked out. "Is it you? Mother Consort, have you come back?" Slowly, he took the woman’s hand from the bed. It still carried the warmth he remembered. Pressing it against his cheek, he broke into a wide smile. "Do you still remember Pei Er? Pei Er is so happy. Mother Consort, when will you wake up?"
"It’s been so long... I was so scared," Ye Pei whispered, gripping Jiang Ruan’s hand tightly. "I thought I was the only one here, the only one who came back. I wanted to avenge you, but I didn’t know how. I had to secure my footing in the palace—only then could I help you. Then I saw you, Mother Consort, but I thought you weren’t the same one. You didn’t recognize me at all. Pei Er thought... maybe it was for the best. This time, Pei Er would protect you..." His voice faltered, and slowly, he began to sob. "But it turns out... you really are my Mother Consort after all."
"If only we could have recognized each other sooner," he murmured. "Mother Consort, in this life, we’ve finally reunited. I don’t want to leave you. Mother Consort, please don’t abandon Pei Er again, okay?" The boy’s humble plea hung in the air before dissipating. The proud, ruthless youth of the palace had moments of such fragility—had anyone witnessed it, they might have been stunned. But Ye Pei was lost in his own grief and the joy of rediscovery, heedless of anything else.
...
Yet even after Ye Pei’s arrival, things did not improve. On the contrary, Jiang Ruan’s slumber showed no signs of ending. Everyone was frantic, and Jiang Xin Zhi’s eyes were red with worry. That night, under the watchful gazes of all, Xia Qing finally emerged, his head hanging low in defeat. "Third Brother," he admitted dejectedly, "I can’t do it. I can’t neutralize this poison."
The moment he spoke, someone seized him by the collar—not Jiang Xin Zhi, but Ye Pei. Aside from Xiao Shao, everyone stared in surprise. Ye Pei enunciated each word coldly: "So the so-called Golden Mausoleum Master Hand is nothing but a quack. Let me make this clear—if you can’t cure her, I will report to His Majesty, have your clinic torn down, and your head removed. The Da Jin Dynasty has no need for a miracle healer who fails to live up to his name!"His tone was sinister, like a cornered beast, startling everyone present. Xia Qing was stunned by the young man's ferocious demeanor, even forgetting his anger as he stared dumbfounded. Qi Feng frowned slightly. For some reason, he kept sensing a hint of familiarity in Ye Pei's eyes—perhaps it was just his imagination, but Ye Pei's furious expression seemed strikingly similar to Jiang Ruan's. Of course, that was impossible. Qi Feng shook his head, dismissing the absurd thought.
"Thirteenth Prince, don't push people too far," Mo Cong finally spoke up, unable to stand by any longer. He stepped forward to defend Xia Qing. "My Fifth Brother may be a miracle healer, but he's not an omnipotent deity. If he were, no one in this world would die—what would be the point of all those coffins then?"
"I won't allow you to mention coffins!"
"Shut up."
Two voices rang out simultaneously—the first from Ye Pei, clearly at the peak of his fury, and the second from Xiao Shao, who shot Mo Cong a warning glance that instantly silenced him. Jiang Xin Zhi forcibly suppressed his emotions, forcing a strained smile as he asked, "May I ask, Physician Xia, if you cannot cure the poison in my sister, is there any other method?"
Xia Qing shrank back slightly as Ye Pei reluctantly released him with a huff. Glancing at Xiao Shao and meeting his icy gaze, Xia Qing hesitated before speaking. "I studied under Yaqi Xiansheng—the wisest man in the world. I can't cure this poison, but perhaps my master can. If even he fails, then no one in this world can." He turned to Xiao Shao. "Third Brother, why don't you take Third Sister-in-Law to Mount Canaan? My master should have emerged from seclusion by now."
Xiao Shao froze, suddenly recalling his last visit to Mount Canaan when Yaqi Xiansheng had asked if anyone unusual had appeared by his side. At the time, he hadn’t understood the question and had answered vaguely. Yaqi Xiansheng had said that person came for vengeance and for repayment, their fates intertwined—could he have meant Jiang Ruan? Indeed, Yaqi Xiansheng had also mentioned they would meet that person once. Was this the moment?
Jiang Xin Zhi noticed the flickering emotions in Xiao Shao's eyes but couldn’t guess what he was pondering so deeply. He clapped Xiao Shao on the shoulder. "Prince Xiao."
Xiao Shao snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at Xia Qing. "I'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."
"I'm going too!" Ye Pei immediately shouted the moment the words left Xiao Shao's mouth. When everyone turned to look at him strangely, he faltered before hastily covering up, "This Prince and the Princess of Great Peace are practically siblings. Since she's in trouble, I can't just stand by. This is, after all, a royal family matter—I have every right to intervene."
This so-called "sibling" bond was nothing more than a half-baked title without a drop of shared blood. The skepticism in everyone's eyes was evident. Xiao Shao replied coldly, "No."
"You—" Ye Pei tried to argue, but Xiao Shao cut him off with an indifferent tone. "You've been out of the palace too long. If your absence is discovered, it will implicate her."
At the mention of dragging Jiang Ruan into trouble, Ye Pei fell silent. Clenching his fists, he finally relented after a moment. "Fine, I'll return to the palace. But if there's any news, you must send me word immediately."Xiao Shao neither agreed nor refused, which was tantamount to tacit consent. Seeing this, Jiang Xin Zhi said, "Then I'll go along. I don't need to stay in the palace. I'm A Ruan's brother—I can't rest easy leaving her alone."
"Mount Canaan has the Eight-Ring Formation. You're not a disciple of our sect and won't be able to break through it," Xiao Shao flatly refused. "If you go, you'll only delay us."
Jiang Xin Zhi was left speechless. Qi Feng smiled and said, "Let Xia Wu and I accompany Third Brother. Xia Wu knows medicine and might be able to assist Master. I also have some matters I'd like to consult Master about. Second Brother and Seventh Brother can stay in the capital—if anything unusual happens, they can at least handle it." He added, "We'll find a way to let Third Sister-in-law meet Master as soon as possible."
Xiao Shao glanced at Qi Feng but didn't object. Turning toward the house, he said, "So be it."
...
Mount Canaan was perpetually blanketed in snow, with towering peaks and deep valleys, presenting a northern landscape all year round—jagged ice formations and murmuring streams. From the foot of the mountain to its summit lay eight interlocking Plum Blossom Formations, each exquisitely intricate.
The scenery at the mountaintop's Green Willow Villa was entirely different from that at the base. Even in the depths of winter, vibrant flowers bloomed in abundance, the warmth evoking early spring. A green-feathered parrot at the villa's entrance had already begun flapping its wings and squawking loudly. Inside the courtyard, an elderly man in gray robes was deeply engrossed in a chaotic game of chess on a stone table, the moves utterly devoid of strategy. As the parrot continued its lively cries, the old man shook his head. "Linglong, we have guests."
No sooner had he spoken than an urgent voice rang out from the villa's entrance: "Master—"
Xia Qing rushed in, panting heavily. Over ten days of relentless travel had left him utterly exhausted. Xiao Shao, having long served as the leader of the Brocade-clad Guards, was unfazed by the journey. Qi Feng, though also struggling, had some martial arts training to rely on. Xia Qing, however, was a scholar with no physical strength, versed in medicine but clueless about how to fortify his own constitution. Despite this, he was an excellent physician, adhering to the medical creed of treating patients with parental care, and had gritted his teeth without a single complaint the entire way.
Mr. Yaqi smiled faintly. "Xiao Wu."
Xiao Shao and Qi Feng appeared behind Xia Qing. Xiao Shao was carrying Jiang Ruan, while Qi Feng, upon seeing Mr. Yaqi, greeted him with "Master" before adding, "Third Sister-in-law has been poisoned. Master, please save her."
Mr. Yaqi's gaze lingered briefly on Xiao Shao before settling on Jiang Ruan in his arms. He sighed softly. "This fateful meeting has finally come to pass."
Xia Qing scratched his head. "Master, what do you mean? I couldn't cure Third Sister-in-law's poison. Master, do you have any solutions? Lives are at stake—Third Sister-in-law hasn't woken in days. It doesn't look good."
"Bring her to my room," Mr. Yaqi instructed.
Once Jiang Ruan had been placed on the bed in the room, Mr. Yaqi suddenly said, "Xiao Si, Xiao Wu, leave us. I have something to discuss with A Shao.""Master, whatever you have to say can wait. Shouldn't we focus on saving Third Sister-in-law first?" Qi Feng said urgently. He was usually calm and wise, rarely showing such anxiety. But seeing Jiang Ruan's condition deteriorate day by day had made him lose composure. Xia Qing tugged at his sleeve: "What nonsense are you talking? With Master here, Third Sister-in-law won't be in danger. Let's go."
Qi Feng froze. Although Mr. Yaqi was usually gentle with his disciples, he valued master-disciple propriety at his core. His earlier words had indeed been somewhat inappropriate, and he now felt awkward. "My apologies, Master. This disciple was too hasty," he said, casting an uneasy glance at Jiang Ruan before leaving with Xia Qing.
Only after Xia Qing and Qi Feng had left did Mr. Yaqi turn to Jiang Ruan on the bed. The cloth bag he had brought earlier lay nearby, but he was in no hurry to open it. Instead, he said, "Ah Shao, do you understand now?"
The room was silent for a moment before Xiao Shao replied, "I beg Master's guidance."
"Ah Shao, you're so intelligent—how could you not understand?" Mr. Yaqi still didn't look at him as he continued, "The words I told you back then—you should have grasped some of their meaning by now. Even now, do you still insist on this decision?"
"Does Master believe I shouldn't make this decision?" Xiao Shao countered.
"I will always follow your decision," Mr. Yaqi sighed. "Whatever you say, it shall be so."
"Good," Xiao Shao said. "I beg Master to save my princess consort."
Mr. Yaqi paused, his hand stilling, and spoke calmly, "A'Shao, I remember telling you before that you are not suited to be an assassin."
"Master said my blood isn't cold enough," Xiao Shao replied.
"Indeed, A'Shao. I knew from the start you would make this choice. But you must understand," a faint trace of sorrow crossed Mr. Yaqi's face, "your earthly ties were meant to end here. By making this decision today, your fate can never be reversed. The Purple Star falls—your destiny as emperor will be thwarted. However," his tone shifted, "in this life, you will no longer bear the fate of solitary misfortune."
"I understand, Master. I beg you to save my princess consort." Xiao Shao's expression remained unchanged, his voice devoid of fluctuation.
"To defy the heavens and alter fate will inevitably bring misfortune upon you. Your life may suddenly face calamity. Even so, A'Shao, will you still have no regrets?" Mr. Yaqi asked.
"There is nothing in this world I particularly cherish," Xiao Shao said serenely. "I wish to protect her. The decision I make today—whether it concerns fate or calamity—I will never regret."
The young man's peerless beauty was matched only by his indifferent gaze, his tone as calm as ever, betraying not a hint of emotion. Yet the resolve and promise in his words could move even the hardest of hearts. Mr. Yaqi was momentarily taken aback, his eyes growing distant, as if seeing someone else through Xiao Shao. Many years ago, he had witnessed another person speak in the same manner, declaring they would never regret—but...
(End of Chapter)
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